Nina Dobrev Dishes on "Vampire Diaries" Secrets, "Twilight" and a Good Cause!

NewsBy TooFab Staff |
October 6, 2011 3:32 PM

Life is pretty good for Nina Dobrev. For starters, she's gorgeous. She stars on the hit CW show "The Vampire Diaries" where two hot guys constantly fight for her attention. Last month, she found herself on many Best Dressed lists following the Emmys. Oh, and she has heart of gold.

TooFab recently caught up with Nina to talk season 3 of her show, how she gets herself red carpet ready, and how you can help out with an important cause that's close to her heart.

TooFab: What are you most excited about for season 3 of “The
Vampire Diaries?”

Dobrev: There are a few new and very
exciting additions to our show. That always spices things up and changes the
atmosphere. Also, the feel of the show is different now that Stefan (Paul Wesley) is with Klaus (Joseph Morgan) out of town. The dynamic
has changed. The love triangles/squares are shifting as well, so that’s always
fun to watch. Elena (Dobrev) and Damon (Ian
Somerhalder) are growing closer whilst pushing each other away in fear of
giving into their impulses/urges.

TooFab: I understand Ian recently
played an x-rated prank on you on set. What happened?

Dobrev: Every crew and cast member
on the set of “The Vampire Diaries” takes their job seriously and is
professional, but we're also a close family that likes to have a good time by
joking around and playing pranks. In an attempt to get the most honest reaction
during a scene, Ian played a prank on me. They used that take of my reaction [in
the season 3 premiere], so I'll leave it to the viewers to tell me if they
thought it seemed genuine. I'll admit I was surprised… He got me, I really
didn't see that coming!

TooFab:
People are always drawing comparisons between “Twilight” and “The Vampire
Diaries.” What do you think about this?

Dobrev: There are very small
similarities and comparisons that can be made between the mythology of “Twilight”
and “The Vampire Diaries.” Vampires and werewolves exist in many stories
that can draw the same comparisons. However, “The Vampire Diaries,” now
in its third season, has taken a life of its own and stands alone at this
point.

TooFab: Are you a fan of “Twilight,”
can you be one being on “The Vampire Diaries?”

Dobrev: I'm appreciative of “Twilight.”
Its success has paved the way for the genre and allowed for our show to
even exist. I've read the “Twilight” books. The story is compelling and I can
see why so many are hooked and in love with the films! I'm also friends with
some of the “Twilight” cast, and we vampires are all supportive of each other!

TooFab: October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. Can you tell TooFab a little more about the PUMA
Project Pink Campaign?

Dobrev: Project Pink is a program
that PUMA created in support of the fight against breast cancer. It's all about
empowering young women to get involved and inspire change through the power of
women's soccer. They've developed a line of really fun, girly Project Pink
products and donate 100% of the profits from their sale. Instead of just
dictating where the money goes, they set up a website at puma.com/projectpink. People
can nominate and vote for a charity involved in breast cancer awareness or
research that they feel is deserving of the money that's raised. PUMA also
commits to donating another dollar, up to $25,000, every time someone Tweets
using the hashtag #projectpink.

TooFab: What made you decide to put
your name to this cause?

Dobrev: For me, it’s especially
exciting to be a part of Project Pink because it isn’t just your regular breast
cancer initiative. With this program, the people who purchase the product are
the ones who get to decide where [the money] goes. And PUMA donates the full
100% of their profits, not just partial proceeds or only a small percentage,
which is really cool. I’m lucky because I’ve never had a family member diagnosed with breast cancer,
but it’s impossible to ignore this disease that affects women across the world.
I am now the minority, I want to there to be more people like me who don't have
family members diagnosed with breast cancer. I want to be the majority. Whether
you’ve been directly touched by breast cancer or not, it’s about raising
awareness first and foremost, and that's something that I'm really committed
to.
TooFab: What is your favorite
product from the collection?

Dobrev: The t-shirts are really fun
and bright and graphic, a great way to show your support. My favorite is the
black shirt with pink writing. If Katherine [also played by Dobrev -- Elena's Vampire Doppelganger] were to wear a Project Pink t-shirt, it would be that one. Elena would
wear the white version with pink writing. Oh! And those super-bright pink
soccer balls are fun to kick around.

TooFab: Are you more of a jeans’n’t-shirt
kind of girl or a couture queen?

Dobrev: A little bit of both, depending
on what I'm doing! Everything in moderation, right? Day to day, I'm in jeans
and a tee, but it’s fun to get dolled up and splurge every once in a while.

TooFab:
How did it feel to be at the top of everyone’s Best Dressed lists at the
Emmys this year?

Dobrev: It was certainly an
unexpected but wonderful surprise! When choosing my dress, I wasn't
expecting to be on the best dressed list, I really just wanted to pick the best
dress that fit me and my personality. I am thankful to have this great moment
where everything really came together perfectly, and to have such an amazing
team that helped create the night's look.

TooFab: What is your process for
picking dresses for awards shows?

Dobrev: There are two things that
are very important to me. The clothes have to be comfortable, and I have to
feel good in what I'm wearing. If I feel confident wearing something, I think
it translates in photographs. It changes my demeanor and posture. I usually
try on a bunch of dresses and sometimes it’s not easy to choose! There are so
many beautiful dresses/gowns by unbelievable designers! But the best dress
always wins!

TooFab: Do you style yourself?

Dobrev: Sometimes I do, sometimes I
don't. I love fashion, and I'm very opinionated when it comes to making decisions
about what to wear. I do have a wonderful and talented team of people that
assist me with putting my look together for those moments and events -- my
stylist Ilaria Urbinati, Riawna Capri for hair and Vasilios Tanis for makeup.
They are the best of the best. I trust and value their opinion so it is easy
let them do their thing!